Successful interpretation can feel seamless, an intuitive and efficient translation of meaning from one signed or spoken language to another. Yet the process of interpretation is actually quite complex and relies upon myriad components ranging from preparation to experience to honed judgment. Interpreting in the zone, instinctively and confidently, is an energizing, encompassing experience that results in great satisfaction and top performance—but what does it take to get there?
       Jack Hoza’s newest research examines the components that enable interpreters to perform successfully, looking at literature in interpretation, cognitive science, education, psychology, and neuroscience, as well as reviewing the results of two qualitative studies he conducted. He seeks to uncover what it means to interpret in the zone by understanding exactly how the brain works in interpretation scenarios. He explores a range of dichotomies that influence interpretation outcomes, such as:

• Intuition vs. rational thought
• Left brain vs. right brain
• Explicit vs. implicit learning
• Novice vs. master
• Spoken vs. signed languages
• Emotion vs. reasoning

       Cognitive processes such as perception, short-term memory, and reflexivity are strong factors in driving successful interpretation and are explored along with habits, behaviors, and learned strategies that can help or hinder interpretation skills. Hoza also considers the importance of professional development and collaboration with other practitioners in order to continually hone expertise.
       Interpreting in the Zone shows that cognitive research can help us better understand the intricacies of the interpreting process and has implications for how to approach the interpreting task. This resource will be of value to both the interpreter-in-training as well as the seasoned practitioner.

"Throughout the book the author has an obvious passion for providing culturally appropriate communication access for the Deaf community and those who engage with them, combined with experience and practical knowledge of the cognitive and physical work and needs of interpreters. Dr. Hoza accomplishes his goals of clearly describing the cognitive processes of interpreters, providing practical ideas for coordinating these processes, guiding interpreters to enhance their capabilities, and proffering tips on how to be effective and caring in their work. As a university professor and researcher, I will be using much of the information in this book to further my own research on how interpreters experience self-talk, and how we can thus teach interpreting students to deal with their own self-talk and cognitive processes. If you are involved in the interpreting field, then I suggest getting this book and using it as a reference guide in your interpreting related work." - Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education